Shannon McElhone, LMHC

After receiving my bachelor's in psychology from SUNY New Paltz in 2013, I worked as a medical assistant with individuals with developmental disabilities. From there, I recognized the need to promote mental health and a balanced way of living. I completed my master's in clinical Mental Health Counseling through Walden University in 2021. My goal is to guide individuals towards cultivating their own sense of independence, ability to utilize healthy coping strategies, and regain control over their lives. I work with children, adolescents, teenagers, adults, couples, and families as they begin their journey through processing adjustment changes, anxiety, depression, anger, grief, trauma, among other symptoms. Through the therapeutically proven interventions from CBT, DBT, person-centered therapy, and mindfulness, we can begin to explore triggers, symptoms, and challenges in a safe, respectful environment.

Dr. Jylia Lobanova is a board-certified psychiatrist who began her medical career in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where she worked at the Central Psychiatric Hospital. After moving to the U.S., she completed her residency at MetroHealth Medical Center, affiliated with Case Western Reserve University. She has treated diverse populations in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including work at Portage Health Clinic in Ohio, Harris Health in Houston, and Legacy Community Health, where she focused on LGBTQ and HIV-positive patients.

Dr. Lobanova values building a trustful and respectful therapeutic relationship. She creates a welcoming space for open communication and mutual understanding, which she believes is the cornerstone of effective treatment. She is especially passionate about supporting patients from diverse cultural backgrounds and has a special interest in women’s mental health across the lifespan.

Dr. Lobanova takes a holistic approach to care, combining medications, psychotherapy, psychoeducation, proper nutrition, and physical activity. She partners closely with each patient to develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to their unique goals and needs, always striving to empower them in their journey toward mental wellness.

‍

Barb VanHouten, LCSW, provides a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere where clients feel heard and supported. She brings a wealth of personal and professional experiences that have shaped her insight, knowledge, and empathy, enabling her to walk alongside others during their most difficult times. Barb believes that everyone has a story, and that life’s challenges can sometimes become overwhelming, leading to feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and despair.

Barb specializes in treating a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, anger management, addiction, bipolar disorder, antisocial behaviors, family relationships, grief and bereavement, life transitions, job and employment issues, medical and physical health concerns, PTSD, somatic symptom disorders, learning disorders, stress, and trauma. Her goal is to create a therapeutic space where clients feel empowered to explore challenges and build resilience.

Barb uses a variety of evidence-based approaches tailored to each individual’s needs. Her methods include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Trauma-Informed Care, Behavioral Modification, Internal Family Systems, Strength-Based approaches, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). She collaborates with clients to develop practical, effective solutions for growth and healing.

Mary Ewers is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 12 years of experience supporting adults navigating stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and chronic illness. She has worked with individuals from many backgrounds, including Veterans and caregivers. Her approach is grounded in empathy, respect, and genuine connection, and she tailors her work to each person’s unique needs and goals.

Mary believes therapy should feel safe, collaborative, and empowering. She welcomes patients exactly as they are and creates space where they can feel heard, understood, and supported. Clients often describe her as warm, honest, compassionate, and easy to talk to. She brings creativity and a down-to-earth presence to each session, helping patients feel comfortable as they work through life’s challenges.

Mary begins by learning what matters most to each patient and exploring what may be getting in the way of their well-being. She incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and mindfulness practices to build practical tools for change. Her goal is to help patients reconnect with balance, purpose, and joy while guiding them toward meaningful, lasting growth.

Surya Sabhapathy, MD, MPH is a board-certified adult psychiatrist based in Chicago, IL. They earned their medical and public health degrees from the University of Michigan, then completed residency training at the University of Illinois - Chicago. They served on the UIC faculty as an attending psychiatrist for several years before joining Talkiatry.  

Dr. Sabhapathy is an experienced general psychiatrist specializing in LGBTQ+ and women's mental health. They previously directed UIC's psychiatric Gender and Sexuality Clinic, providing LGBTQ+ affirming care with an emphasis on support for gender-expansive patients. They have contributed to the National Curriculum on Reproductive Psychiatry, and continue to manage mental health issues during pregnancy and postpartum. Their other clinical interests include PTSD, ADHD, co-occurring medical conditions, and culturally sensitive care.  

Dr. Sabhapathy values warmth, curiosity, and shared decision-making. Initial sessions focus on comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and understanding individual goals. From there, Dr. Sabhapathy works with patients to develop treatment plans that may combine medication management, supportive therapy, and positive lifestyle changes

Akili’s approach is centered around the individual. His goal is to help people embrace their authentic self. He believes that counseling and the therapeutic process is experiential. He has been through most of the life struggles we all have been through. Akili has also written several books - the latest of which, “Be an Anomaly”, is about the autism spectrum. Beyond his passion for helping others, Akili is passionate about his family, drawing, music, and basketball.

Akili utilizes multimedia resources, oftentimes with an emphasis on writing and creativity. He works to create a warm atmosphere of welcoming energy and connection. Therapeutic modalities used include REBT, CBT, Positive Psychology, ACT, and Gottman Method.

The tools that Akili uses are those hidden within you. He uses creative therapy and behavioral techniques to help you get where you want to be. Your collaboration is a trip that you will embark on together. Akili will help you find the best solutions to the answers you have.